LVKCC – Instruction and Education Committee
2021 Education Plan
Indoor Instruction – This year we will not be renting a pool due to the pandemic and associated restrictions at Lafayette. No other pool sites are available. We will offer the same series of classes using a combination of virtual classroom and outside venues (Pat’s Pond, Little Lehigh and Lehigh). We will offer classes in Introductory Flatwater Kayaking (2 weeks), Coastal Kayaking (4 weeks) and Introductory Moving Water Kayaking (4 weeks), with a combination of virtual and in person classes, number and length of class tbd by instructor. Rolling clinics will be offered at Lake Nockamixon and at Marvins Garden (whitewater boats) and at various venues tbd (coastal boats). First Aid/CPR certification classes will be offered; fees to Red Cross to be paid by student.
Introduction to Recreational Kayaking – This will be a two day class over one or two weekends in June for people who want to learn about safe recreational kayaking on lakes, and easy rivers. Venue will be Pats pond and possibly Beltzville. The goal is to increase the enjoyment of recreational kayak paddling by learning how to: choose a paddle, select the proper clothing, find the right boat, and learn effective paddle and rescue techniques. Cost will be $55pp, number dependent on number of instructors, max 5:1. Lead instructors Dan Rempp and Linda Martin.
Open Water Kayaking – FREE 2 zoom classes on Wednesdays, May 19 and 26 from 7-8:30 followed by 1 8-hr on-water class at Lake Nockamixon June 5 plus two trips on Raritan Bay (see also Outdoor Instruction). This is a course for people with 1-2 years of kayaking experience and who wish to be self-sufficient and/or help others paddling in open (large bodies) of fresh- or salt-water with waves. Instruction will include open water boats, clothing, gear, communication, accident mitigation and trip planning including charts, GPS, tide, timing, and wind mitigation, as well as maneuvering skills, short and long tows, and self- and assisted rescues. Cost will be $80pp, max number of students is 10. Lead Instructor Cie Stroud.
Open Water Kayaking – FREE Zoom class on cold weather/water paddling in January. Rolling Clinic for open water. Lead Instructor Cie Stroud.
Introductory Moving Water Kayaking – Our flagship class, this will be four 2 hour zoom classes in April and May (Friday eves) followed by four one-day classes over the course of four weeks (two in April 17/24), two in May 8/16) for those interested in learning to river kayak. The outdoor portions will take place in Lehighton (Pat’s Pond), the Little Lehigh (if allowed) and/or Lehigh River (Marvin’s Garden) Topics such as boats, gear, clothing, paddle strokes, river features, knots, river safety, fitness, edging, bracing and rolling will be covered. Cost will be $180pp, limit of 16 students. Lead Instructor Scott Douglas.
Rolling Clinics – We will offer rolling clinics for whitewater boaters and/or coastal boaters that review the theory and mechanics of rolling, discuss why rolls fail, and present practice drills. We swill then provide one on one instruction to help work through the rolling process and provide helpful feedback. A competent wet exit and self rescue skills are a prerequisite. Locations tbd depending on participants and type of boat. Lead Instructors Scott Douglas/Josh Smith/Eric Schweitzer (whitewater) and Cie Stroud/Dave Dawson/Sheldon Linn (coastal).
First Aid/CPR – We will have at least one Basic First Aid/AED/CPR blended learning class in the spring with room for 8 students. This class requires an online portion and a classroom portion. The classroom portion will be local to the Lehigh Valley depending on COVID restrictions. We may schedule additional classes if there is interest. Lead Instructors: Jim Schulte, JC/Chad Rankin, Pat Beltz and Scott Douglas.
Outdoor Instruction
Beginners Series – We will again offer 8 trips on the river starting at the Little Lehigh in May and progressing up to the Upper Lehigh in June and July. These classes are offered to those who took the pool moving water kayak class first, but may include others if space becomes available. Beginning white water skills such as stroke forms, eddy turns, peel outs, ferries and water reading are featured. Practice sessions on the Little Lehigh will also be offered on Tuesday nights in May and June and on the Lehigh in July and August. Lead Instructors – Pat Beltz and Scott Douglas.
Intermediate Series – We will offer 4-5 classes on various rivers (Lehigh, Mongaup, Tohickon, Yough, Stony, Lehigh, Nescopeck, Brodhead, choice dependent on flow and interest). In addition to basic skills such as eddy turns, peel outs, ferries, combat rolling and water reading, classes will include more advanced techniques such as eddy hopping, boofing, and reverse ferrying in Class II/III water. Lead instructors – Scott Douglas, Eric Schweitzer, Joshua Smith, Andy Williams, others as available.
Guide Class – We will offer this class again in the spring (tentatively May 30) on Section III of the Lehigh. Class features how to organize and lead a trip on moving water. Lead instructor – Scott Douglas
Recreational Kayaking – We will offer three skills development clinics at Lake Nockamixon covering rescues and paddle strokes. Lead Instructors – Dan Rempp, Gery Kirkner and Linda Martin
Open Water Kayaking – 1 8-hr on-water class at Lake Nockamixon June 5 plus two trips on Raritan Bay with priority to the Open Water students on Raritan Bay lead by the instructors (see also Indoor Instruction). Greenland Touring Clinic covering paddles, strokes and rolling lead by Dave Dawson. “Try our kayaks” day at Beltzville May 22 lead by the instructors.
Canoeing – John Rako, Gene Berliner, Johanna Heid-Meeker, and Tony Broadwater have been trying to work up a formal moving water canoeing program. As of the writing of this report, John Rako has stated that he and Johanna want to do classes, but cannot commit at this time to time/date/place. They hope to be able to provide more detail later this winter. Lead Instructor – John Rako
Instructor Certification – There is a potential for an L1/L2 Instructor Development workshop being offered at Lake Nockamixon and the Delaware River that might include both coastal L2 and moving water L2 certs (pick one, not both). Scholarships would be offered to club members who participate. Class would be sponsored by LL Bean. Lead Instructors – Steve Johnson and Scott Douglas.
2021 Education Budget Request
Loaner equipment, paddles, float bags, helmets: $1500
Sand and port a jon for Pats Pond: $1500
First Aid/CPR supplies and equipment: $ 250
Classroom supplies: $ 100
Total requested: $3350
2021 Intermediate Series (tentative dates)
March 21 Tohickon Intermediate skills class
May 21-23 Stoneyfest Trip (skills class if interest)
May 29 or 30 Lehigh Guide class
June 11-13 Lake Nock/Lehigh L1 Coastal/L2 Whitewater IDW-
June 25-27 Deerfield Trip (skills class if interest)
July 3, 4 Lower Yough and Savage Intermediate skills class on LY on Sat.
August 15 Lehigh Intermediate skills class
October 23,24 Lower Yough Trip (skills class on LY if interest)
November 6,7 Tohickon First timers and intermediate skills
